Persona 5 Strikers – From Light and Dark
By Tayla Drago
Episode #36 - Makoto's Fond Teaching Skills
Some family time for Akechi to visit his adopted home for him and Zen are working to pay respects to Aoi's grave and Akane 'to not like her father to not catch her mother's killer', is that right? For them and Akechi know of something that the other don't know of yet. With them going into the Hasegawa's home before heading out tomorrow to their next destination; Keiko, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, and Sophia join with the three for some food and spending a little break before their work continues on. Fair enough, I guess. So somewhere in Okinawa...Or rather in the Metaverse area of Hans and Ellen's hideout to clean their hideout quickly to do some work on their past to be not so easy to do at all.
Ellen: So, did those two dummies believed in your story?
All taken cared of.
Hans: They said it's fine. We got some energies from the other humans from the Gegasites' help to locate Pandora's Box and its wielder in no time soon. We don't have to worry about them for a while now. We're free to relax and do our jobs. I will have Keiko with me and the other Phantom Thief women only this time.
He was still on that case, huh? He never learns to also make Ellen jealous, as she too doesn't know of the love wont work out – ever! For Hooded Man and Mistress to be fooled by them is one thing while searching on something else from them, hopefully they won't catch on to their sneaky ways.
Ellen: This again, Brother? What about me?
Hans: I keep telling you this, dear sister. I will love you to care as true family, nothing more. Why can't you see that?
Ellen: It's hard to fall for a real man who doesn't get me. Look at Akechi to be so close to be married to Keiko anyways.
Hans: But I always get the girls, I just need to toughen up my game. I won't lose to those men or him this time. I don't you fall for that guy, or...Maybe the other two...Yusuke or Ryuji.
Ellen: Hey! The detective' a show off, Ryuji's a loudmouth, and Yusuke's weird! Besides, they're not really my type...
Hans: Alright, look. What I do is my thing...I guess I should've pay attention to you more. I'm sorry.
A moment of one big mistake that Hans made of capturing all the pretty women he saw to luring them all to his lair or love. Gross!
Ellen: Sorry? Oh, Brother. It's nothing really. I wouldn't do anything to make you feel unhappy.
Hans: Love is different the way he have for family. Is in love to be different. Don't you get it? I will do the same thing to keep the women safe, maybe for one and only one I'll find myself true love there.
Only made things from bad to worse to keep his word, it was still wrong.
Ellen: Oh, come on! Keiko's getting married to Akechi! Hello?! Brother, just let it go and find someone at least. (Or maybe just me...) As for Ann, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru...One's a model, smarty pants, nerd, and a rich snob. Still, I want friends like them to save in our goal. Those five aren't your type and the women of the Phantom Thieves are only worse.
Hans: Friends? And what's wrong with any of the girls you did mentioned? I like cute and beautiful ones, and I don't care if the detective is marrying Keiko, I will have her to myself and that's it. It'll be okay. You have a goal of your own. Right...? Something about animals? Just keep them all in your area and away from my mind. They can be so messy all the time.
He doesn't hate animals at least to keep Ellen happy and Hans with his. For Ellen does that too, and she found her thing to save more as they made new friends.
Ellen: Yes. I saw cats! Two cute ones! One that Keiko and Akechi have and the other in the Metaverse of Ango Natsume's Jail. Aw...! So adorable to have them both saved...!
Hans: The weird walking and talking cat in the Phantom Thieves and the other black cat Keiko has?
Ellen: Yeah, them! I may have trouble with having a man in my life someday, but cats are so cute! Other animals are sweet to make a garden field of paradise for them all to live beautifully forever.
Great, now Morgana's on Ellen's getting list like Hans with Keiko and some of the girls. And she doesn't know that Mona and Morgana are the same being.
Hans: Ha! It's sweet to see my dear sister with such a love towards animals, and cats are one of them.
Ellen: Then I need to have them both. Morgana and the other mascot cat, I want them both...And the other animals you let me do.
Hans: Only if you take care of all of them.
Ellen: And only if you find at least one girl to love first to marry in our world new order soon for Mommy's sake. Than...having tons of other whores bare your children!
So then, the two twin siblings make a deal together.
Hans: Ah...I see...I'm a great ladies' man, but I know to save the good ones to find my true love. And someday yours. So...how about we make a deal together.
Ellen: A deal? You and me...? Ah, yes Brother! Anything for you.
This makes her happy to listen in.
Hans: Calm yourself and hear me out. How about this...If I help you get more animals while also get the two cats, per creature one too, then you must allow me to find the many pretty girls to have. Without questioning me so much.
Ellen: Hmm...I see...Well then, Brother. If you find the right girl to marry her and save the right ones before we make the new world order, then I'll be happy if you make my animals safe to getting the other two unharmed back to me.
So, what was their own call going to be...?
Hans: Very well, to save the rest and get one girl to love and marry this time. Anyone?
Ellen: To also make my animals paradise of cuteness a dream come true...I cane keep the two cats?
Then they shake on it to make both of their happiness and goal to complete with all come true.
Hans and Ellen: Then it's a deal!
The deal has finally been set then.
Hans: Good...Now we're even. For the time being, let's get to work. Next we'll relax before we find out about the island we're on. Now...I need to go clean up for the next women hunt again before we can continue.
Ellen: And I'll clean up the place for my new animals...Hey! Already you're going out?!
Hans: It won't be long today. It's getting late so I have to do this, for a little bit to try at least. See in a bit, sister. (She'll think me later for what I have to do to see her smile.)
Off he goes to leave Ellen annoyed but to still keep the deal half promised on her end to keep Hans happy as well.
Ellen: Bye, just get back safely. (Soon, Brother...This woman better be good to you, or I'll...! I'll...! I will-! Ah, forget it. All for the two cats for me...Patients. I just want Brother to be happy is all. She better treat him well, but from our new friends? Oh, boy.)
Something was on her mind for Ellen doesn't want to get the girls for her and Hans made friends with in their human form. Like not Keiko, Ann, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru. OK, seems fair. But will their deal happen? Whose to say right now. Anyways, what's going on in Kyoto with the Phantom Thieves and Zen to help out Akane...? Well, they make themselves at home 'and the father of the house' to ask of Akane if everyone can cook some handmade curry for tonight.
Akechi: Akane, we're here.
Akane welcomes everyone inside with some groceries to use too in order to make some food.
Akane: Oh, I didn't think...You guys don't have to cook for me.
Keiko: But we really want to. Some good curry I have at Mr. Sakura's Cafe Leblanc back in Yongen-Jaya. Trust me, Akane, you'll love it.
Zen: Making curry? Mmm...sounds tasty.
Akane: Hey, don't say it so weirdly again.
Zen: Sorry.
Trying to take a breather on Zen's end to shower, get dress, have more clothes, and such to report back to work and such to be happy to be home again for a bit.
Akane: Keiko, if you wish to cook then it's fine. I like to...you know, help out.
Akechi: Someone loves to learn how to cook like Ms. Aoi did when we were kids.
This has Akechi feel a bit happy to see Akane happy.
Akane: Goro, please...I hope we can start cooking.
Keiko: In any case, let's get to work. Everyone, it's do it! To those who can cook well, head in the kitchen!
For Morgana 'with Sophia on Keiko's phone, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru entered in the home of the Hasegawa with plenty of room to sleep in and such with two bathrooms to use too. Nice home. Now with Zen finishing up to stay around the kitchen room, it was time to get cooking for some curry. With a lot of work to be done, but it was all worth it during their work and summer vacation trip too.
Makoto: Akane-Chan, could you please pass the potatoes?
Akane: Oh, of course.
Ann: Ahahahaha, no need to be so formal with us! We can keep it real.
Now this was team work to do the cooking and such, since Akechi and Keiko set the things up and the rest to cook. Keiko and Akechi can cook, but people want to take turns too.
Akane: Real? Okay, thanks...
Ann: Mmhm, you got it!
Yusuke: Akane, would you mind helping me cut the carrots?
Even Yusuke was good for some art work of food making.
Akane: Okay, sure.
I guess Makoto, Ann, and Yusuke wanted to help out Akane make the curry together then. While Haru, Futaba, Ryuji, Morgana, Sophia, and Zen waited in the living room; Akechi shows Keiko a quick tour around his old childhood home.
Akechi: So this is the two bathrooms here, three of the bedrooms, closets, living room, kitchen, front yard, back yard...
Keiko: Hey, nice old room here.
Seeing Akechi's old bedroom to be all about super heroes and detectives.
Akechi: Oh, this one's mine. I always dream of becoming a detective to bring justice like a real super hero. Like I am now on some of it. So...My dream came true.
Keiko: I think it's sweet to follow your dreams from which you did, Akechi-Cun. Your home is amazing.
Akechi: Princess, you're simply amazing to care for others. Even for me. I thought to never have good friends, but I do. I'm still here today if it weren't for the Phantom Thieves.
Hugging each other to be smiling and laughing together.
Keiko: I know, I love you. Your family is great.
Akechi: And I love you too, so is your family to like me a lot. Come on, we have some good to eat.
Keiko: The curry's almost ready then. Let's get back to the living room.
Heading back to the living room with the other for Keiko and Akechi to sit next to each other still, cute. While Haru and Futaba 'on her laptop' were sitting at the table ad Morgan on the chair; while Keiko and Akechi were sitting on the coach with Zen and Ryuji sitting on the floor as well as Sophia watching everything through Keiko's phone. With Akane doing good making curry while the aid of Makoto, Ann, and Yusuke.
Haru: *giggle* Well, they seem to be getting along in there.
Ryuji: I guess she's warmin' up to us, huh? I seriously didn't think that could happen when we first met her.
Akechi: Akane is a very smart and caring girl once you get to know her.
For someone so young, they do mean well.
Keiko: What a relief, huh? She's a good kid, and it's thanks to all you efforts everyone.
It sure is. Sadly, Sophia wishes to do something for everyone but she can't in the real world. Ah...
Sophia: [I can no longer sit idly by. I want to help too. I've got it. I'll find an award-winning recipe and...]
Futaba: Chill your circuits, Sophia! The curry always tastes good when make it together with someone.
Sophia: [Is that so?]
All was well, almost...Zen felt a bit weird with everyone invading his house. No problem with Keiko or Akechi, but still. What a big baby.
Zen: I can't believe you've all raided my house like this...You guys have some serious nerve. Goro...!
Akechi: What? I'll clean up after them if I have to.
Keiko: And I'll help too, Zenny.
Zen: That's not the point...Although, I can't remember the last time this place felt so alive.
I guess he was all happy deep down and all to have Akechi visit and such for a bit.
Ryuji: Hey, so...Gramps? You don't gotta answer if you don't wanna, but...what happened with Akane's mom? Do you know too, Akechi?
Akechi: Well, about that...
Trying to say something, it was really hard to speak up for the two of them.
Zen: ...Goro, I'll say it. It was a vehicular manslaughter. A hit-and-run.
Akechi: It's true...
For them to re-think it again was really hard for them, even for Akane as well.
Ryuji: So that's what she meant...She said something about the killer too, right? They ever get caught?
Akechi: Sadly...
Some bad news there...
Zen: No case was ever pursued. Any suspect is way outta my reach.
Huh? So Akechi was on it on his own from one case to another. But not with Zen to continue on with it.
Keiko: (So Akechi was on it, but not Zenny.) Hold on, Zenny. They're out of your reach? What do you mean
Akechi: Wait...You told me you were working on it until you heard about our case, Master. I don't get it.
Oh! It seems there was more than wha Akechi was told differently from his own step-father.
Zen: It's none of your concern.
Akechi: Master!
This has Akechi to be very worried about now.
Ryuji: Sure, but...
Zen: Look, Goro, I can explain-!
But before that, Makoto calls out to Keiko for her help on some cooking.
Makoto: Hey, Keiko-Chan, would you help put the finishing touches on this?
Zen: C'mon, Amamiya. Off to work! It's better be worth the hassle. You let your Goro and me work things out there, I promise.
Keiko: Okay...? Coming! (Please don't be a bad thing on what Akechi-Cun and I are feeling out from Zenny's heart. Please don't be a bad thing.)
Far more than what he's not telling them? Or what he was doing behind the Phantom Thieves' back? Well, Keiko makes the rest of the curry.
Akechi: (Master...Please tell me you're not hiding something from me, everyone, or Akane...)
For her, Akechi, Morgana, Zen, Akane, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru to enjoy the meal. While Sophia hang out with them. What a fine meal they were all having together to say the least.
Ann: Mmmm! So good! These vegetables in Kyoto make curry so amazing!
Futaba: Lemme try, lemme try!
But there was more curry to have than others on their plate.
Keiko: You have plenty there, Futaba.
And she has other parts mix in it.
Futaba: Hmmm?! This is delicious! I'll have to report this back to Sojiro!
Yusuke: ...
Another part of love food on Yusuke's end again.
Ryuji: Yeah, I knew he'd lose it.
Makoto: That's my Yusuke for you. I can't wait when he moves in with me soon when he finishes with high school.
Even Sophia was amazed of the curry to taste so well.
Sophia: [Curry that moves diners in tears? I wish I could try it.]
Ryuji: How would that even work?
Akechi: Some data information code Futaba can download for Sophia?
Could it be? Well, it wouldn't hurt with some hacking skills there.
Morgana: I want some too, but it's still too hot...
Makoto: Don't worry, Morgana. We'll be sure to leave some for you too.
Morgana: Myheh! The brains of the operation thinks of everything!
Sophia: [I'm quite jealous of you, Meowgana.]
Funny to nickname Morgana that for Sophia to say it in person...Or an AI.
Morgana: EXCUSE me? "Meowgana"?
Akane: Who were you talking to?
Crap, Akane doesn't have powers to hear Morgana talk to make Makoto feel a bit weird. Someone think of something to say anything!
Keiko: Ah...Nothing...? (People who can sense things like Zenny can, will not hear Morgana talk at all on Akane's end.)
Makoto: Ah! Uh, just myself! Eheheh...Anyway, how's our curry's, Akane-Chan? Do you like it?
She tries another bite of the stuff.
Zen: Is it good, Akane?
Akane: ...! Ish delicioush!
She said with a literal mouth full and joy to like it a lot.
Akechi: I'm glad you like it, Akane. Trying new food is the best.
Zen: Good! I'm glad.
Continue to eat for Sophia and Morgana needed to lower their voices a little.
Morgana: We'd better keep our mouths shut here, Sophia.
Sophia: [Aw, man.]
They were find around Akane to continue with the meal and some for Morgana to eat later. While Sophia to study on curry later with Futaba's help.
Keiko: Yum! (The Kamo eggplant gives this curry an amazing flavor...I'm getting inspired...!)
Another new dish to add and make for later on.
Morgana: Ooh, did you just come up with a new dish, Madame Keiko?! I can't wait to try it out!
What a good meal there to finish with. With Futaba and Yusuke getting up afterwards.
Futaba: Oh man, I could eat this all day! Time for another round!
Keiko: And I can't even if I had four stomachs from a cow.
Note to self - never eat a lot of those curry types.
Yusuke: Not today, Futaba! I'm taking another helping first!
Akechi: No fighting over food please.
Lucky for Akechi steps in to break them up.
Makoto: All right, Akechi-san's right. Break it up. You too, Yusuke. There's still more than enough to go around.
Yusuke: Yes, Ms. Makoto.
Futaba: Sorry...
What a fun meal they did have tonight here.
Akane: It really is good...Do you think I could make it by myself?
Akechi: A Akane Curry Special. I can't way to taste your type of meal when I come for another visit.
Akane: Please do, Goro. I like your fiance. She's very sweet and pretty.
Keiko: Aw...Thanks, Akane. And making your own curry...I'm sure you can. And if you put in the practice.
The more you learn, then the better you can be with it.
Makoto: I agree. You're very quick to learn; you'll be a curry master in no time.
Akane: Thanks! I'll do my best! For my new big sister to be part of the family soon.
She meant Keiko for Akane likes her brother's lover.
Keiko: Cool. I'll have another little sister in law in my family. (Then Zenny will soon be my father in law.)
Soon something comes to Ann's mind to do something.
Ann: Oh, I've got an idea! Wanna take a bath later, Akane-Chan?
Akane: Huh? A bath?
Ann: That's the best way for us girls to get to know each other better! I can teach you all the super-model secrets to glowing skin!
Akane: Really?! That's be great!
Haru: I'd like to learn those too! Mind if I joined you?
The more girls together in a bath, the better.
Zen: C'mon, how big do you think the bathroom is here?
Makoto: Then you'll join with us too, Keiko-Chan. Come on.
Keiko: Right. I'll be back then, let's go. (Akane and a few of us girls went off to share a bath together...)
While Akane take a bath in a big on in the main bathroom for her, Keiko, Makoto, Ann, and Haru, the other took turns using the shower later on on their own. While Akechi, Ryuji, Yusuke, Morgana, Futaba, Sophia, and Zen waited around to chat in the living room.
Zen: You really saved my ass back there. Goro, you're the man.
Akechi: It was nothing really... (At least I hope it's just me to be thinking of something else.)
Zen: Hey, it'll be fine on the other thing...Look, the place may be cramped, but it's your for the night.
Talking about the other thing later on, it'll be hard to wait then.
Akechi: I'm glad it all worked out, Master. We're having a good time here too. So there's no worries.
Zen: My student and step-son. Still who the hell'd ever guess the Phantom Thieves are buncha softies?
It's what they do as the Phantom Thieves of course.
Yusuke: If someone is suffering, it's only right to provide aid when possible.
Ryuji: Yeah. We just do what we know we gotta do.
Morgana: Help the weak and crush the strong! That's the Phantom Thieves ways, and always will be!
Yusuke: And we never forget when someone provides us a meal or a roof. Ever.
The last part was because Yusuke cares to make some meals on his own sometimes and not go broke.
Zen: Oh, really? At any rate, I still wanted to thank you guys properly. It's been a long time since I've seen Akane so happy.
Ryuji: ...
Akechi: I do anything to see my family, even my step-sister smile.
Ryuji: So, Gramps...About what we were sayin' earlier...
But again Zen changes the subject to act tired suddenly.
Zen: *yawn* Mm. sorry. A whole day's driving, finally catching up to me...You were saying, Sakamoto?
Akechi: (Master, he's hiding something. I've seen this act before.)
Ryuji: Ah, it's nothin'.
Something tells me that Akechi will get his answers from Zen somehow later on.
Zen: Sorry, but I gotta hit the hay. Would you guys mind hanging out with Akane in her room for a bit? She's into some kind of online thing lately. Something to do with some show about her faves...? Clearly I don't know anything about it, but I'm sure she'd be happy to fill you guys in on it.
Futaba: Roger that! We've gotcha covered. Hear that, Akechi? We've accepted a mission! I bet Big Sis and the others will be happy to hear about this too.
They all heard it loud and clear
Akechi: Very well, Master. For Akane. Leave it to us. (I'll have a weird with him later.
It was for the best on a later day during their work to do have a talk then. And so, they do it by hanging out with Akane. After Keiko and the other girls get out of the shower for the others tell them what they're doing next. For Akane had a special time to do this type of thing.
Keiko: (After our bath time...The others waited for us to finish our bath, then headed to Akane's room...)
With everyone all set and everyone welcomed Keiko, Akechi, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, and Sophia to see...Well, something big in Akane's room. For even Akechi didn't think he would notice after coming back for a visit.
Futaba: Uh, whaaaaa...
Yusuke: Good God!
It was a big fan thing to be design by Akane herself, she was a big Phantom Thieves fan. New to Akechi as well to see his step-sister to love their work. Unaware they were here in person right now.
Keiko: Phantom Thief things?! (Akane's a huge fan of us!)
Akechi: Akane?! (I didn't except this at all...!)
Still, she's one of those kids at a certain age to have so much for Akane to get everything like it. From toys, posters, key chains, stickers, books, plushies, and so on.
Akane: So, this is my room, and...yeah. Akechi, sorry. I should've told you about this sooner.
Akechi: I'm not mad at all, never with you. I'm just surprised.
And if only they could tell her, but...it was for the best and for Akane's safety not to.
Ann: Is this really all Phantom Thieves merch?
Ryuji: I didn't even know they made this much stuff!
This was so weird right now for them a little.
Futaba: Well, uh, they are real famous, ya know! I'm pretty sure some of these were only posted on super-obscure websites, too...
Haru: There are even some handmade ones...
Akane: It's too much, isn't it? I know, it's lame...
Akechi: No, it's cute.
Big brother pats little sister on the head again.
Akane: Goro...
Akechi: What? I'm praising you.
Makoto: And no, that's not it, Akane-Chan. You're into the Phantom Thieves, yeah?
Just play along here...
Akane: Huh? Well, uh...Yeah...
Akechi: They're good compare to my detective skills. I had a lot of saying before, but I grew to like them now. (I better not tell Akane the entire story on what really happened right now. Maybe in the future when she's a bit older.)
Keiko: So much collection you have here. (Makoto is giving us all a loaded expression...)
Giving the look on Makoto's face means one thing...To keep their cool.
Haru: Now neat! We're all the same then.
Akane: HUH?! You mean, you're...
Ryuji: Uh, yyyyup! We're, uh, huge Phantom Thieves fans!
Akechi: I'm too for the things they've done for me. Jealous at first, but I like them even more with your fan base, Akane. (Please be more careful, Haru...I know you didn't weren't going to say it entirely.)
Too close there to play along.
Ann: Right, right! I looooove the Phantom Thieves! Go, go, Phantom Thieves! Change their hearts and all that stuff!
Keiko: Phantom Thieves for life. Gooo, Phantom Thieves! We are the Phantom Thieves fans!
An odd way to say it like that, to have Akane smiling and Akechi laughing to love Keiko's cuteness to hug her again.
Akechi: *chuckle* Keiko, so adorable you are! We're all fans! How sweet of you to say much sweet things.
Morgana: (I want to know how the people got the action figures on what we looked like...From the Shido Calling Card, they have good photo memories. Heh, not bad.)
I guess that makes sense on why there was a Joker, Mona, Skull, Panther, Fox, Queen, Oracle, Noir, and Crow on the shelves too.
Akane: Keiko, you're the best. Aha! Hahahaha! I guess your hairdos actually do remind me of them! Yeah, fans for life. So I'm into the Phantom Thieves because they seem like the only ones changing this crappy world for the better. They're not just fighting with theirs lives to save the people in trouble-they inspire people to be stronger, too! They've got up to eight or nine members, but all their identities are still a mystery. From the footage gathered online, they all seem so cool! I can't help but wonder who they really are! Especially the one whose always in the middle-I think she's the leader? She's so mysterious...and beautiful. I want to grow up to be just like her.
Akechi: Wait...! You want to grow up like Joker?!
For Akane to think so young to grow into a full adult woman...Ah, I'm not so sure.
Keiko: So you like the leader there, huh? She's a woman who cares for others, her team, and her job than just her looks. (How sweet, Akane wants to become like me...)
Akechi: My sister must not grow up so soon!
And to have someone worried for Akechi, how sweet of him.
Ryuji: Oh...Oh? So this is real sibling love.
Keiko: That's so sweet you want to be a true woman someday, Akane.
Ryuji: Then maybe we should tell her...?
Nope, not happening! This has Ann grab Ryuji's ear.
Ann: Let's move on please...!
Ryuji: Ouch! OK! Sorry, Ann. Ow. Babe, the ear? Really?
Ann: I did it just in case, Ryuji but you're still cute.
Makoto, Wow, Akane-Chan! You really do like the Phantom Thieves, huh?
She sure does to admire their work and such.
Ann: Damn, Akane-Chan is so awesome...
Akane: *gasp* Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to rant like that...
There was no need to feel shy about anything like this at all.
Haru: *giggle* It's no problem at al. I'd love to hear more about the Phantom Thieves.
Akane: Great! Oh! You know, maybe I could let you in on the show...
A show? Now what was this all about?
Ann: Hmm? What show?
Akechi: Do you have a show, Akane?
Akane: Yes, Goro. It's a livestream that's sort of...all about the Phantom Thieves.
Makoto: Oh...How interesting.
Haru: Y-Yep, sounds like a great show!
All of them want to watch her show now.
Akechi: Please show us. (Anything than not think about aging so fast right now.)
Akane: Okay, just gimme a sec-it's almost time!
One step-brother makes sure to have his little step-sister have a good childhood life while Akane Hasegawa was still young. With Keiko, Akechi, Morgana, Sophia, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru gathered around the bed and Akane takes her seat near her desk and laptop with a figure of Joker for Keiko looks like a cute female Anime character in the kid's hands. The livestream of her show was about to begin for the others to watch. Clearing out her throat, Akane was about to begin.
Akane: ...Hmph...It's been some time since we last met, fellow Phantom Phreaks! Let us enjoy our time together tonight, Phantom Thieves super fans across the world! Hmph!
How sweet to see Akane go all out on her show to be cute and tough from Keiko as Joker, and seeing it different up close.
Ann: She mentioned a stream, but I didn't realize SHE was the streamer!
Akechi: And the way she's acting as Joker than the one we all know.
Futaba: Whaaaa...It's like totally different personality!
Ryuji: So THIS is the "online thing" she's into?
Haru: I think she's doing the voice for that action figure of Keiko-Chan?
I seems like it.
Morgana: Is she...copying you, Madame Keiko?
Keiko: What? She is good. She's trying to sound and act like me.
This has Akechi patting Morgana on the head to act tough and calm with a smile on his face again.
Akechi: Hmph! Morgana, please don't make fun of my Princess and little sister...!
Morgana: Hey! I'm not!
Akechi: Good to know.
He can be scary to correct some people, but Akechi was still himself, it is kind of funny. Watching the rest of Akane's work...
Akane: Hmph! It is time to express our gratitude for the Phantom Thieves from the bottom of our hearts!
She's a big hit on her channel page, that's for sure.
Yusuke: Her channel has...over 50,000 subscribers?
Keiko and Akechi: 50,000 subscribers?!
Tayla: Now that's a lot! I'm jealous to get some like that in the future.
Futaba: That's easily a mid-tier account. I'd bet she's pulling in a decent income from this.
Keiko: That's impressive. We should do it too, but...Maybe later with Akane.
With one funny joke to add in it.
Akechi: Get in there, Morgana.
Morgana: Akechi, forget about it! I will not.
Ha! Funny thing to say there, huh?
Yusuke: So there are other supporters of the Phantom Thieves beyond the Phan-Site alone.
Haru: It's embarrassing to admit, but...it feels kind of nice.
How sweet to have more fans like this.
Akane: My dear Phreaks! I'm sure you're aware of the Phantom Thieves' celebrated comeback. As of today, three more incident fitting their M.O. have surfaced across Japan! This is cause for celebration! Let us welcome the return of the Phantom Thieves with open arms! Hahahaha!
Yusuke: She really acts the part...
Ann: Maybe she's just in an extra-good mood? Her dad come home today.
Maybe so and some kids hide their true feelings for caring deep down. Akane's case with Zen was a bit different though.
Makoto: I have to agree. She reminds me of when my own dad would finally come home.
Ryuji: Really? You streamed like this too? What'd you call it, Fist of the Phantom Channel?
Nope, now he has done it.
Makoto: You really wanna find out?
Ryuji: No! No, no! Sorry!
And the streaming show ends again for Akane did great. And the others enjoyed the show a lot, she just loves it a lot.
Akane: Well, that's basically what an episode's like...
Haru: That was great! You're an excellent showrunner. Spectators seemed really not it, too.
Akechi: My little sister's famous.
Patting the head again.
Akane: Goro, you're embarrassing me. But thanks...And to everyone else too. I've been doing these ever since the Phantom Thieves first popped up last year.
Ann: Kids these days are so impressive...
Futaba: Really, Grandma?
It's hard to know how to work on something you want to have a hobby for.
Akane: I admit my grades are kind of slipping...I should probably scale back on the livestreams for a bit...Especially with high school entrance exams coming up and all.
You all know what this calls for here, right...?
Makoto: In that case, would you like some help studying?
Akane: You mean it?
Makoto: Of course. Would anyone mind?
No one didn't mind it at all.
Keiko: Sounds good to me.
Akechi: Smart just like Sae-san still is. Have fun with it, Makoto. She's good what she does best, Akane, trust us.
This made Akane very happy to have Makoto help her out on her homework and such.
Akane: Thank you!
For Makoto to also have a Confidant and Arcana she had too for us to talk about it real quick to get to the next scene...
The High Priestess or Priestess
In the Rider-Waite tarot deck, upon which many modern decks are based, The High Priestess is identified with the Shekhinah, the female indwelling presence of the divine. She wears plain blue robes and sits with her hands in her lap. She has a lunar crescent at her feet, "a horned diadem on her head, with a globe in the middle place" similar to the crown of the ancient Egyptian goddess Hathor, but with the horns having a shape more like half-crescents, and a large cross on her breast, the balance between the four elements; fire, water, earth, and air. The scroll in her hands, partly covered by her mantle, bears the letters TORA (meaning "divine law"), that symbolizes the memory we carry inside about the past, present and future, named Akasha. She is seated between the white and black pillars—'J' and 'B' for Jachin and Boaz—of the mystic Temple of Solomon. The veil of the Temple is behind her: it is embroidered with palm leaves (male) and pomegranates (female).
The motif that hangs behind the High Priestess's throne, veiling what ever mysteries she guards, is suggested in the pattern of The Empress' gown. The two are sisters, one bringing life into the world, the other inviting the living to the esoteric mysteries. Further behind all of that is what seems to be a body of water, most probably the sea. The water flows through most of the cards of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot.
According to A. E. Waite's Pictorial Key to the Tarot, the High Priestess card is associated with.
Back in the living room they all go back into. Makoto and Akane sit at the kitchen table to get some of her homework done easily. While in the living room - Keiko, Akechi, Morgana, Sophia, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Futaba, and Haru waited around for them.
Makoto: ...And you can do that with the parentheses any time you deal with factorization.
Akane: Wow, thanks, Makoto-San! You're really good teacher!
Makoto: I'm glad to hear this is helping. Okay, on to the next one.
Like she use to do in high school to still have the skills. For Makoto does. just more on Ann and Ryuji's ends, bummer.
Ann: Good thing we left this to Makoto-no way we would've been any help...
Ryuji: Yeah, they weren't exactly fallin' very themselves for us to help out, anyway...
Akechi: I hope you two will be studying harder once summer break is over.
A little reminder there for the two love birds.
Keiko: (Poor Ryuji and Ann. Good thing Yusuke and Haru have no trouble, or Futaba with her hacking skills. Leaving Sophia, Morgana, and Makoto to be very smart Akechi and me are good passing.)
And with Akane was god to learn a lot in seconds, with a normal score she was getting.
Akane: Thank you so much for doing all this for me.
Makoto: Oh, it's the least I could do. We had to make up for intruding last-minute and everything.
Akane: Oh no, not at all! I mean, like...I'm glad you did. It's been a long time since I hung out with someone.
She was always alone? Besides talking to Akechi or seeing him, Akane must've been through a lot.
Makoto: What about your friends?
Akane: Well...I grew up in Tokyo, so I don't really have any friends here.
Akechi: I check on Akane a lot to also call to emailing her...I didn't she would go through a lot.
It was sad just thinking about it, a lot.
Makoto: Oh, really? I thought your father was in the Kyoto police...
Akane: ...After Mom's accident, he transferred here from Tokyo. He said it's because my grandparents live here.
Akechi: I make sure she needed to know everything before I went out on my own.
So that's how Akane learned how to take care of herself too.
Akane: What Goro said, I have to do things on my own as well.
Makoto: Akechi-san's a good brother to you. Also Zenkichi seems like a good dad. He probably didn't want to be all alone all the time...
Akechi: Akane... (She really does hate Master a lot more than ever.)
A sad family relationship there, huh?
Akane: Yeah, that's not it. He just wants to blow me off and go get drunk every night. I can tell from Goro to do his detective work, but my Dad's no different, he's the worse. Not just that, he...Mom was murdered and he won't-
Saying it out loud and making Akechi upset, this sounded serious.
Makoto: ...
Keiko: Murder?
Akane: I...I'm sorry.
Akechi: Ms. Hasegawa...
It was a lot for Akechi to live through again and Akane to have to witness badly.
Makoto: (So Akechi-san and Zenkichi are both working on this case for her sake.) It's all right. You've been through so much, Akane-Chan.
Akane: I've just been so depressed ever since Mom died...I wasn't having fun with stuff like I used to but Goro to support me sometimes. Before I even knew it, all my friends had ditched me.
Makoto: I see...
Akane: But nowadays, I'm doing a lot better thanks to my subscribers...But when I'm not streaming, I still...I get really lonely...
Makoto: Mmhm...
Akechi: I taught her a lot of things to do and kept in contact with her and Master, but they never talked a lot since Ms. Hasegawa was killed. Something of a case I've been willing to solve no matter what.
A lot to know and for Makoto to go through a lot and Sae since they barely knew their mother; and their father was killed during his duty as an officer.
Makoto: You want to know something? I lost my mother when I was young.
Akane: Huh? Oh...It's like how you've lost your real mother too, Goro.
Akechi: I did tell you about it.
Lucky he told Keiko about telling Akane with a good ending there, with some important stuff left out.
Keiko: (I'm glad there was something for Zenny and Akane to hear some good news and Akechi to be pure hearted and saved that time.)
Good times, huh? Well, some of the parts were.
Makoto: At that point,, my father had to raise my sister and me all by himself. Not only that-he was a police officer too. He would always be home so late, if at all...Happened so often that I really believed for a while that he didn't care about us.
Akane: ...
Makoto: But one day, he was struck by a vehicle during an investigation, and...he passed away.
From that moment to try moving on. For Makoto did thanks to the Phantom Thieves' help and Sae to have them show her true justice.
Akane: I...had no idea...I had so many regrets at that point. I especially wished I'd shared more with my father. He had worked so hard for our family and the public, and I never thanked him a all for it...Just thought over and over, "There's so much I wish I could say." I know it's not my place to speak on your father and your relationship...But even still, I wish you could find a way to not blame your father for his work.
Akane: But he...
Yeah, there was a lot more than Akane always mad at her own father.
Akane: Mm. it's nothing. Sorry...
Makoto: If it's okay with you, would you tell me what happened between you and your father?
Akane: ...
Akechi: Akane, you don't have to say it. I will-!
Not this time, she wanted to for Akechi and the others to hear it.
Akane: I want to, Goro, please.
Akechi: ...Okay.
Akane: I saw him...The man that ran Mom over.
For the Ace Detective Prince to know already. This comes to a big shock to Keiko, Makoto, Morgana, Sophia, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Futaba, and Haru.
Keiko: Oh, no...
Makoto: What?!
Akechi: I happened one night, a few years before I moved out. Walking home for Ms. Hasegawa was doing something on the driveway path to drop her bag; while me and Akane waited for her while Master was working...A car drove by fast to run into her to lie dead. And the driver took off. Master came back an hour later to hear the news and learn his wife died; the two of us decided to work together to solve the case on who killed her, for us and Akane's sake. Sadly, it's been two years now.
What the years went by with no results on it yet.
Akane: It's true...They never arrested him. His secretary left behind some suicide note. Apparently it said, "I'm the one who ran over that woman."
Keiko: They think a fellow cop did it?
A false evidences to be made up there?
Makoto: That doesn't..If the police had an eyewitness, they'd never make such a huge error in their investigation.
Akane: ...That's what he said, at first. Eventually he gave up on it too. Him and the rest of the police-non of them but Goro listened to me. And I told them, so many times...Why? Because I'm just some kid? The guy who killed my mom is still out there...!
Makoto: Akane-Chan...
Akane: He doesn't care about Mom anymore. He doesn't care about me. I know he's just trying to find the next woman so he can get on with his life. I know he thinks I'm just in the way. I wish anyone but him way my father!
Akechi: Akane, why?!
Now that was a really harsh to say there, huh?
Makoto: Stop that.
Akane: Huh?
Keiko: Makoto?
As hard as it was to say this at Akane, somehow Makoto had to tell her that Zen does love his daughter a lot.
Makoto: There is absolutely no way that your father doesn't care about you. I know you've suffered a lot, Akane-Chan, but...I really believe there has to be some sort of explanation for this. Hasegawa-San may seem like he doesn't care, but I have a feeling he does, in his own way. Just a bit ago, he went through a lot of effort trying to reunite a lost boy with his mom. He's been there for us as well.
Akechi: And me to still work together on your case for Mrs. Hasegawa and another work.
This comes to a surprise to Akane to hear about this from the two of them.
Akane: But...That's just...
Keiko: He's a good guy to like me to be married to Akechi soon too, Akane. Please don't say such things about your dad. Trust me, I almost did to regret it now. So don't be like me.
Makoto: Keiko-Chan's right. I really mean it too when I say Hasegawa-San reminds me of my own father.
All of that saying was true.
Akane: Are you serious?
Makoto: Even when I couldn't see him, he was always giving it his all for my sister and I...His family was always on his mind. And that's why I think your father's always working so hard as well, Akane-Chan. How else will Akechi work so hard if he didn't teach his step-son everything he knows.
Akechi: She's right.
Akane: Really?
A guy like him would never stop loving his only daughter.
Makoto: His face looks so much happier when you're around and Akechi too...It's completely different from when he's out in the world. That should prove just how important you two are to him. You're the biggest thing in his world too.
Akane: ...
The brother pats his little step-sister's head.
Akechi: Master loves you a lot.
Makoto: And pushing him away isn't going to make you feel any better. It's only going to hurt you more. Instead, you should tell him how you really feel. Tell him everything so you can't regret it later. Keiko-Chan did with her family to be fighting on something she didn't do, but they understand their own daughter now. So no matter what you have to say, I know he'll listen to you.
Akane: ... *sniff* *sniff* *sob*
She soon started to cry.
Akechi: Akane?
Makoto: I'm sorry! I-I just wanted to help...
Akane: *sniff* No...That's not...that's not it... *sob* M-My mo...My mom...She...
Makoto: ...Please forgive me, I really didn't mean to do this to you. Feel free to talk with me anytime you want. I'll be there for you whenever you need it.
Hugs from both Akechi and Keiko to do next.
Keiko: So will I, Akane. (A sad heart to be healed by others who do care for her.)
Akechi: And your brother will always be there from far away and in person. (I will still find Mrs. Hasegawa's killer, I promise.)
Akane: Thank you... *sniff* Goro, you're the best. And Keiko, you're the best.
A sad scene, huh? But something to be more understanding more 'so far'.
Ryuji: ...
Futaba: ...
Sophia: [... Why is Akane crying? Is she in pain?]
Even Sophia was learning of sadness of human emotions too.
Keiko: Well, Sophia...You'll get it one day.
Sophia: [Really?]
Haru: Akane-Chan...
What would anyone do without Makoto around...
Morgana: Thank goodness Makoto as here. And Akechi for growing up here as his true family who raised him.
Yusuke: That poor girl...
Ryuji: Akechi went through a lot. Both Akane and Gramps're really torn up inside.
Morgana: We ought to get to bed. We've got a long journey ahead of us tomorrow.
Good idea to do, it was bed time for all of them.
Futaba: Yeah...My heart's all warm and fuzzy now...I'm gonna sleep like a baby!
Ann: Good night, everyone.
It also looks like Zen was hiding to hear the whole thing, all of it.
Zen: ….Those kids...
For Makoto helps out Akane with the rest of the work to then feel better to go to bed, for her helps in the bed and Akechi too. Same with Zen to get some sleep afterwards to tell not only Akane everything, but Akechi everything soon enough. As Makoto gets some sleep – same with Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Futaba, Haru, Morgana, Sophia 'in sleep mode'; and both Akechi and Keiko to sleep in the basement bedroom to be just for them. While others sleep in living room of the coaches, sleeping bag floors, and same in Akane's room for the girls.
Keiko: Akechi...?
Akechi: Sorry, Keiko. There's a lot on my mind right now. Please forgive me.
Keiko: Hey, it's okay. You want to talk to Zenny on what's on your mind like Akane too. But he won't say anything to still care and had his reasons why. Let him say it to you first, please?
He knows that, and something else Zen was hiding from Akechi to learn about on his own so far to get closer to the truth.
Akechi: Yes...You're right, Princess.
Hugging, touching Keiko, and such to start kissing all over for her to do the same with Akechi and his hot body too.
Keiko: I know, Akechi-Cun. I'm here for you. I'll always will be. We'll get through this together.
Akechi: We will as a team with friends, Master, and you. Take me away...
For them to get undress to make love together quietly for Keiko to take her birth control pills and the micro chip on her arm still. For her and Akechi enjoy making love to dance, move, kiss, hug a lot, staying under the bed to have their hands running all over to this feeling...It was love for them to help them get to bed quickly and hold each other. For tomorrow was to leave to Okinawa right away to hopefully come back to Kyoto to see Akane again later on, maybe. Do you think Zen would know of them really closer in love to do this? And what of Akane? Well, maybe from a woman's instinct says so to keep it to herself.
Akane: (So they do love each other that much, huh? Good for you, Goro. To you and Keiko. I'll keep what you two are doing to myself to be in love. Dad...He just needs to know on his own.)
Good point, and now to get plenty of sleep.
Keiko: Good night, Akechi-Cun. (No matter what happens, we all have to do what needs to be done for everyone. Because it's what the Phantom Thieves' do best.)
Akechi: Good night, Princess. (I have to solve the case for Master and Akane. I have a word with my teacher/step-father when the time's right.)
All was good...With lots to do for Raidou to aid Kaguya, Picaro, and Loki to look for their answers back in the Metaverse to find...well, an odd looking Jail to still have trouble opening up to the entrance. Weird...Still, it might lead to somewhere for the Hooded Man to be grinning all freaky-like of getting in on his end. Oh, boy.
8 - August/15th/Tuesday (Kyoto)
Well, everyone was up the nest morning to get going. Eating, bathroom, shower, getting dress, and they were all set to go For Keiko, Akechi, Morgana, Sophia, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, and Zen to head to Okinawa with the RV vehicle too. As for Zen will be back to see Akane later on, and another visit with Akechi and the other Phantom Thieves maybe soon enough.
Akechi: I'll be back, Akane, I promise.
Akane: I know, Goro, good luck out there.
Hugging it out and the same with Keiko too.
Keiko: Same with you too.
Akane: Please come visit me with Goro, Keiko, I like you a lot.
Keiko: I promise.
And Zen tries to say something to his daughter next.
Zen: Well, Akane, Goro and I have gotta get going...
Akane: ...
Still a little hard to come to an understanding, huh?
Zen: Um...Once the case is through, I'm gonna take some time off. What do you say we take a trip somewhere? How about we visit a theme park?
Akechi: Master...
Akane: I'm not a little kid anymore.
She was right, for Zen has to learn more.
Zen: Oh, okay...Sorry.
Ryuji: Shit, it is tense here!
Morgana: Oh boy...Getting these two to open up is going to be a real hassle.
Someone please try saying something...
Keiko: A bit lonely, aren't we...? C'mon, he real with him. Akane, you want to say something to Zenny, right?
Akane: Keiko, please don't! C'mon, please just stay out of it for me.
Someone was being a little shy here...
Futaba: Aw, are we still feeling pouty? Don't you think it's time to grow out of the whole tsundere thing?
Akane: You too, Futaba-chan?! C'mon, quit it!
Yusuke: Will we ever be able to truly reunite father and daughter?
Things take some time to do so in life.
Haru: Just give it a little more time...I hope they find the opportunity to bond.
Makoto: I'm sure they'll make it. Right, Akane-Chan?
They were right for Akane does care for her dad to do so.
Akane: Yeah, I guess...
Akechi: Get along even when Master comes back and me too.
Soon Sophia had something to report through Keiko's phone.
Sophia: [The time has come. If we wait any longer, the ferry will depart before we arrive.]
Keiko: It's time we get going.
Makoto: Sounds like we have to get going. Take care, Akane-Chan.
Akane: Oh! Uh, thanks for everything! Um. here-it's like a Kyoto souvenir...
Keiko: For us?
A little something that Akane wants to give to them as a little gift.
Akane: I mean, you guys did so much for me, so...
Keiko: Thank you, Akane.
Akechi: We'll hang it up in the RV. Akane, you're the best sister I ever have.
It was a min umbrella. Hey, it's kind of cute.
Akane: Promise to come back soon!
Ann: Of course! Next time, we'll bring tons of snacks and we can stay up all night gossiping!
Haru: We can share a bath again, too!
Makoto: Reach out to me anytime you like. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Akechi: And for me and Keiko too.
The young one has got everything written down loud and clear.
Akane: Mmhm, got it! Have a good trip!
Keiko: What about Zenny?
Akechi: C'mon, say all your goodbyes.
Will she at least say something to Zen 'her own father' be taking off?
Akane: Ummm...I guess...Be careful.
Ryuji: Uh... 'Zat it?
With Zen smiling to hear that, I think it'll be just fine.
Zen: Oh! Okay! Gotcha, I'll be careful!
Akechi: There you go, Akane.
Keiko: Much better.
Morgana: Whoa-ho! Sure seemed to work for him, though!
Yeah, it was good enough. For Akane stays put with her grandparents to wait for their next visit and Akechi too. For now...he, Zen, Keiko, Sophia, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru were off from Kyoto and to Okinawa to take the RV on a ferry to ride across the ocean on a small idea where they all needed to go to next. A little fun time there, huh? So...will the Phantom Thieves find what they're looking for on a small lab of EMMA? Maddice? The twins, the truth, the other two scientists who Hans and Ellen are helping out one another, and such? I guess we'll find out in the next chapter/episode then so stay tune for some beach fun time to getting to the area first.